Chapter 331

In the restaurant — Ruby sat across the table, lost in deep thought. A quiet sadness lingered on her face as soft beams of sunlight filtered through her hair, lighting up her eyes — like a rare gem shimmering in the sun. Michael watched her closely. There was something in her eyes that stirred him deeply. He knew she was hiding something — something that weighed heavily on her heart — but he couldn't quite grasp what it was. “Eat something... it’s getting cold,” Michael said softly, concern evident in his voice. Ruby took a long breath. Emotions flickered across her face as old wounds resurfaced. A guilt she carried even today filled her heart — memories from before her son Aaron was born. She hadn’t wanted to be a mother then. She hadn’t believed she could be one. There had been a time when she tried to escape it all — when she walked into a cheap, shady clinic… when she’d even considered ending her own life. Michael leaned in gently and asked, “Ruby… will you tell me what’s on your m